The Role of University in Enhancing Agricultural Sector

Albania-Hawaii Higher Education and Economic Development Project

The Role of University in Enhancing Agricultural Sector

Catherine Chan-Halbrendt Ph.D.Jean Fantle-Lepczyk B.A.

Ana Mane Ph.D.


Outline• Role of Public Agricultural Universities• Role of Agricultural Economics Research• US Land Grant Model and Funding• Role of Education, Research and Extension• Albanian Universities, Research Institutes and Funding• Albanian Agricultural Sector• Challenges to Ag Trade in Albania• EU Integration Standards and Albanian Agriculture• AHEED Project’s Role and Impacts• Looking Forward• Acknowledgements


Role of Public Agricultural Universities

• Improvement of societal welfare through agricultural activities–Traditionally, teaching–Evolved to include research and extension–The ultimate goal: seamless integration of

research, teaching and extension


Role of Agricultural Economics Research

Goal for the Ag Sector:• Competitive in the Ag Sector• Provide Health and Well-being of citizens• Sustainability of the Natural Resources

How to get there using Ag Economics Research:• Human capacity building using economic

principles and tools to conduct research• Disseminating research and policy publications


U.S. Land Grant (Public) University Model

• Fundamental principles:•Accessibility of higher education•Practical, relevant and useful education•Research for the public interest•Connectedness to ALL the people


Functional spirit of public universities* *remarks by W.J. Kerr, president of Oregon State University

1. The spirit of initiative—Pioneering;2. The spirit of growth—Progress;3. The spirit of equal opportunity for all—

Democracy; and4. The spirit of helpfulness—Service


Research axis of excellence/technologyExtension where the rubber meetsthe road

Instructor-trained skills


Land Grant Funding Model

• Private• Tuition, competitive grants, trade

associations, business, foundation• Federal (US $32 Billion)

• Formula and competitive funds for relevant basic and applied research and outreach activities

• State and local governments


Albanian Universities • Traditionally, teaching• Struggle to evolve to include research and extension activities • Challenges:

• No similar US funding model for research and extension • No reward guidelines and policies for excellence in

research, teaching and extension• Expectations low• Low pay• Collaboration based on friendships rather than

complementarities of skills and needs


Agricultural Research Institutes in Albania (Streamlined)

• In the early 1990’s, Albania had 18 agricultural research institutes.

• 4650 staff members• 342 researchers

• By mid-2006 this number has reduced by 50% to 9 agricultural research institutes

• 700 employees • After reorganization in 2006, the existing agricultural

research institutes were restructured into• 5 Agriculture Technology Transfer Centers• 1 Institute (Food Safety and Veterinary Institute)


Research Funding in Albania

Generally, Albanian agricultural research is funded by:

• Albanian government, via the Ministry of Agriculture

• Foreign agencies and assistance projects• In some cases, the faculty and students

fund themselves especially for graduate studies.


Importance of Agricultural Sector in Albania

• 58% of total labor and 19 % of GDP comes from the agricultural sector • One of the most important sectors of the

Albanian economy• About 56 % of the population live in rural

areas, where agriculture is the main activity• Productivity and value are low


Agricultural products, competitive?

• Recent trends indicate Albania’s potential for a modern and competitive agricultural sector (increase self-sufficiency in vegetables, eggs, milk and fruits)

• If the right policy environment engenders sufficient private investment e.g. credit access a problem- 1% given to agriculture

• Albania’s competitive advantage derives from three fundamental factors:

• Climate• Highly skilled labor force• Proximity to markets


Challenges to the Agriculture in Albania• Funding for R4D is less than 1% • Human capacity building slow in responding to changing

environment• Product quality and food safety (wine preferred Italian vs.

domestic)• Students are theoretically and not practically trained and trained

students do not stay in agriculture• Lack of connection between research and extension and farmer• Production and marketing Issues (lack of market points in

northern and eastern areas and post-harvest facilities)• Finance and credit (1% goes to agriculture)• Import/Export - Perception of local products vs. imports


Import/Export, a Particular Challenge for Albanian Agriculture

• Huge deficit in agricultural trade. • In 2007, $80 million in exports and $700 million in imports

creating a skewed export to import ratio of 1:9• Still a net importer of agricultural and food products

• In 2009 largest value share of agricultural and food imports: • live animals• fruits and nuts• fats and oils

• In 2009 largest value share of agricultural and food exports:• Rawhides, skins, and other animal products• Oilseeds and oleaginous fruits


EU Integration Standards Important to the Ag Trade

• Albania hopes to become an member of the European Union (EU) in the next decade

• EU integration creates opportunities• Subsidies for rural and agriculture development• Potential export opportunities to EU and international food

markets• EU integration imposes standards

• Product quality and safety• Enhancement of efficiency

• If a strategic vision and planning is employed and implemented, Albania can ease the transition process for its agricultural sector


How the AHEED Project Can Help

• Ani, this slide still needs work

• Per Cathy we need to add: Now that the capacity building is on its way, it is up to the stakeholders to participate and capitalized the built capacity through collaboratively funding and prioritizing the research agenda. Maybe this can be worked in here???

• What is the mission of AHEED to assist in the research – relevant research with extension, build faculty research capacity thus student’s capacity

• Research Capacity for Policy. Stronger stress should be given to the research and its conclusions regarding agricultural issues.

Can it be related to slide 20 – AHEED implication to Albanian ag.


Examples of Recent AUT Research Funded by the AHEED Project

• Consumer preferences for table olives, wine, olive oil, lamb meat, apples

• Value chain analysis of fruits and vegetables sub sector

• Evaluation of factors that influence implementation of QMS in the meat processing industry in Albania

• Alternatives of improving management of value chain for the greenhouse tomatoes production

• Alternative solutions for efficient use of refused land in Shëngjergj Commune in Albania


AHEED/USAID Funded Project ResultsTopicConsumer Demand

Year Study Location

Important Product Attributes

WTP for locally produced

Olive Oil 2009 Tirana Price, domestic 12 leks from virgin to extra virgin

Wine 2009 Tirana Italian, price

Lambmeat 2010 Tirana Domestic Highland, Plains Domestic over Imports 100-200 leks

Olives 2011 Tirana Domestic, Type (with seeds), Color (green, brown)

10 leks per kg for green olives

Apples 2011 Tirana Types (Green, yellow, red but not red yellow striped)Domestic and Big

10 leks per kg

Milk 2011 Tirana Lower fat 0-1.5%, Domestic N.S.


Policy Implications

• Specific market commodity attributes to target• Domestic product in demand - need to create

more quality standards and supply at competitive prices (through new technology)


The AHEED Project’s Impact on Albanian Agriculture

• Creating linkages between university, extension services, farmers and policy makers

• Hosting workshops for faculty staff, extension and students• Enabling research through scientific and financial assistance

• Especially, relevant Albanian agricultural crops: olive oil, table olives, apples, greenhouse vegetables

• Promoting AUT research at national/international conferences• This conference originated via the AHEED project and has

expanded in its 3rd year• Enhancing the graduate student experience via improved

classes and research experience


Extent of IMPACTS will depend on US.

Excellent Coordination

Well-oiled Machine Excellent Equipment

• Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals• Effective communication before and after.• Balance needs.• Reward teams and performers.


Looking Forward• Strong potential role for land grant type public institutions

• Provide technology and education program and socioeconomic information

• Provide outreach to industry in coordination with extension

• Provide infrastructure for reward for excellence in research

• Also a role for the government • Stimulate, assist, and coordinate a nationwide network

of regional, state, and local programs for technology development and industrial extension

• Provide funding for training, research and policy implementation


Acknowledgements• USAID (Jorgji Kristaq)• HED• AUT (Rector, Dean, Faculty, Students)• Dr. Engjell Skreli• Project Coordinator Dr. Ana Mane Kapaj• Project Assistant Jean Fantle Lepczyk• Ministry of Agriculture: Extension- Dr. Tatjana

Dishnica• Other Drs. Edvin Zhllima and Drini Imami


Falemenderit

Catherine Chan-HalbrendtJean Fantle-Lepczyk

Ana Mane

The Role of University in Enhancing Agricultural Sector

Documents

applied research

researchdisseminating

economic development

ag economics research

economic principles

fundingrole of education

ag trade

public interestconnectedness